Mr. M. SCOTTasked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been called to the greatly increased number of complaints as to delay in paying arrears of pension and allowances; whether he has ascertained to what cause this increase of delay is due; and what steps he proposes to take to secure greater efficiency?
§ Major TRYONMy right hon. Friend is well aware that in a number of cases arrears of pension have not been promptly paid, but I am glad to say that the position in this respect is not, as suggested by my hon. Friend, growing worst but is, on the contrary, steadily improving. The whole question has for some time past been receiving the close attention of my right hon. Friend who is at present considering certain modifications of the existing procedure with a view to eliminating all avoidable delays. My right hon. Friend is appointing a committee of enquiry into the local administration and machinery of the Ministry, and the arrangements for the issue of pensions will form part of the enquiry.